Grand Rapids Contractor Sentenced for Working Without a License

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A local building contractor is now serving a five-month sentence in the Ottawa County jail after being convicted for working without a license for the third time. Ricky Lee Hartwick, a Hudsonville resident, was also sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to repay over $30,000 to a couple whose home he left in disarray.

The couple, Sheila Davis and her husband, had hired Hartwick to remodel several rooms of their home while they were away on vacation. However, upon returning, they found their home in worse condition than before. According to Davis, Hartwick’s work was subpar and included significant mistakes, such as cutting through a crucial support beam in the home’s structure.

“Everything he has done has to be redone,” Davis stated, explaining that the family had to live in their camper for weeks while a new crew fixed the damage Hartwick left behind. The mistakes, she added, have resulted in costly repairs, particularly the support beam issue, which will be expensive to fix.

Initially impressed by Hartwick’s claims of a strong work ethic and a military background, Davis said she had no reason to doubt his abilities. However, delays and repeated mistakes soon raised concerns, and it became clear that the contractor was not qualified for the job.

Hartwick’s conviction marks the third time he has been found guilty of working as an unlicensed contractor. Earlier in 2025, he was convicted in Kent County for a similar offense, and last year, he was convicted in Ottawa County for another job he performed at the home of a nurse and single mother.

Beyond his troubles with contracting, Hartwick has a long criminal history. His record dates back to 2008, including convictions for fraud, larceny, receiving stolen property, and assault.

For homeowners in Michigan, there is a way to ensure that a contractor is properly licensed. The state’s official website allows individuals to check a builder’s license by searching for “Michigan business license lookup” on any search engine and following the instructions provided.

This case highlights the importance of verifying a contractor’s credentials before hiring, as unlicensed workers can leave homeowners facing significant financial and safety risks.